This Chopped Romaine Salad is full of protein and vegetables and is dressed with a bright zippy dressing.

Salads are one of my favorite items to order when we go out to eat. Why, you ask? Because it always seems like restaurants have some really creative combinations. I really struggle to make delicious salads at home sometimes. Not because it’s complicated…we all know that it is not. But I lack creativity when it comes to salads at home. Since I usually make them before I head to work, simplicity is the name of the game and then I usually encounter regret when I look at my sad salad at lunch and wonder why I didn’t put a little more thought into it.

Today, I have a great salad that is packed with both protein and vegetables. It can be assembled ahead of time for the week’s worth of lunches or a few hours beforehand if you’re having company over.

Guys, I need to be honest about something. The great grains are intimidating. As in, I am never sure whether or not I am going to like them. In the past I have judged some of them by name and some by look. I’ve even avoided some of them altogether. But now, I don’t think I can do that anymore. You see, Deb over at Smitten Kitchen posted a similar recipe a few weeks ago and it was finally incentive to broaden my horizons and try farro.